ALMOST 2000 new Housing Executive dwellings will be needed in
Lisburn during the next four years to cope with the high level
of demand in the city. Waiting lists at the Executive's two
local district offices grew dramatically during the period 2003
to 2007.

The Antrim Street office has been assessed as needing 1,100
new dwellings, recording an increase of 51% from 1,311 to 1,982.
The number of applicants suffering housing stress increased by
60% from 727 to 1163.

At the Dairyfarm office, where it has been assessed 840 new
homes are required, the list grew by 17% from 509 to 596 while
the number of applicants in housing stress increased by 33% from
318 to 424.

The figures were presented to Lisburn City Council's Planning
Committee earlier this month by a Housing Executive delegation.

Councillors were told the increase in the city's levels of
housing stress had been the result of a combination of factors.

These included:

* The impact of affordable housing pressures resulting in
low income households, in particular first time buyers
unable to access the private market, applying for social
housing.

* The decrease in available social housing. The
delegation said this had come about because of a reduction
in stock through house sales, less turnover as social
housing estates have stabilised and fewer households being
able to move into the private market.

* The continuing popularity of many areas
of Lisburn.

* A shortfall in new housing provision.
The delegation explained acquiring suitable sites for
development has been difficult in recent years for Housing
Associations because of competition from private developers
and high land costs.

However, councillors were also told there had been 'a modest
increase' in the number of housing allocations in both districts
during the past five years mainly brought about by the addition
of new housing stock to meet demand

NEW public sector homes are
being built in the Lisburn area.

The Housing Executive delegation which
addressed the City Council's Planning Committee said a total of
64 units were completed within the Antrim Street District last
year while a further 156 were already on site by March 31.

In addition two further schemes totalling 41
units had been secured by the end of the 2007/2008 financial
year.

A total of 424 new units are planned for the
District during the period April 2008 to March 2013 - 405 in
Lisburn, 15 in Lambeg and four in Culcavey.

This leaves a shortfall of 480 units which
have been included in unprogrammed 'marker schemes'.

These 'could be considered' if suitable sites
become available.

In the Dairyfarm District 33 units of general
needs housing were completed last year while a further 23 were
on site by March 31.

A total of 591 units are planned for the
District during the period April 2008 to March 2013 while a
shortfall of 211 projects has been included in unprogrammed
marker schemes.

As at Antrim Street, these 'could be
considered' if suitable sites become available. Councillors were
told the Executive would 'continue to work with Housing
Associations and developers' to 'deliver this social housing
programme.